Bondi Beach has officially reopened this morning, but strictly for swimming and surfing only.
It’s part of an effort by Waverley Council to allow locals to exercise outdoors while still following social distancing, so you won’t be able to have a picnic or sunbake anytime soon.
“There will be no relaxing or gathering around on the sand,” Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said in a statement.
“The sand remains strictly off-limits other than for access to the water for exercising.”
Bronte Beach will also reopen for swimming and surfing, while Tamarama Beach is open just for a cheeky surf.
The gates at all three beaches will be open from 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, but the flags won’t be up to discourage people from swimming for leisure. Anyone caught chilling on the sand or grass will be moved along by rangers.
“I want to remind people that the NSW Public Health order to stay at home remains in effect,” Masselos said.
“People should be staying home and if they need to exercise, then to exercise in their immediate neighbourhood.
“This means that people must not drive any distance to go to the beach.”
Waverley Council currently has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases anywhere in Australia, with 181 cases as of April 26.
A pop-up clinic was even opened in Bondi earlier in the month to cope with the high amount of cases in the area.
“Remember Waverley is still a hotspot and presently has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Australia,” Masselos added.
